Healthy Christmas Recipes

Christmas dinner can be low-cal

Is a guilt-free family feast on your wish list? This guest-worthy menu of healthy Christmas dinner recipes is loaded with flavor — not calories or fat.

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Citrus Ambrosia Salad

Citrus Ambrosia Salad

Recalling the down-home taste of classic ambrosia (minus all the diet-derailing mayo), this refreshing first course is only 110 calories and has a deliciously tart dressing you whip up using lime and other juices. Try our Citrus Ambrosia Salad recipe.

James Baigrie

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Glazed Ham with Apricots

Glazed Ham with Apricots

Yes, ham can be the centerpiece of a healthy meal -- just choose a piece that's lean (ask for shank), low-sodium, and smoked (to reduce fat). Amp up the flavor with apricots and mustard-marmalade glaze. Try our Glazed Ham with Apricots recipe.

Citrus Ambrosia Salad

Recalling the down-home taste of classic ambrosia (minus all the diet-derailing mayo), this refreshing first course is only 110 calories and has a deliciously tart dressing you whip up using lime and other juices. Try our Citrus Ambrosia Salad recipe.

James Baigrie

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Glazed Ham with Apricots

Yes, ham can be the centerpiece of a healthy meal -- just choose a piece that's lean (ask for shank), low-sodium, and smoked (to reduce fat). Amp up the flavor with apricots and mustard-marmalade glaze. Try our Glazed Ham with Apricots recipe.

James Baigrie

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Cauliflower with Tomato Relish

To make this veggie even tastier and more nutritious, we paired it with a tangy Mediterranean-style medley of cherry tomatoes and capers. A serving supplies you with 125 percent of your daily vitamin C. Try our Cauliflower with Tomato Relish recipe.

James Baigrie

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Accordion Potatoes

For seriously satisfying spuds, try these vitamin-rich reds. Creamier than russets and lower in starch, all they need is a drizzle of olive oil before roasting; sprinkle with parsley and thyme and serve. Try our Accordion Potatoes recipe.

James Baigrie

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Garlic and Thyme Green Beans

Sauteed with garlic and tossed with thyme, these crisp, tender green beans are rich in fiber. They also contain a wealth of antioxidants, which can prevent hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. Try our Garlic and Thyme Green Beans recipe.

Wine-Poached Pears

Dessert doesn't get any more simple, elegant, or waist-whittling than this Shiraz-drenched stunner: It comes in at 200 calories, with 1 gram of fat, and the red wine is brimming with cancer-fighting resveratrol. Try our Wine-Poached Pears recipe.